Endodontic Retreatment in Houston, TX
In most cases, root canal therapy successfully relieves tooth pain and halts the infection of your soft tissues deep inside the teeth, saving the tooth and providing a lasting solution. However, in some rare situations, a treated tooth may not heal properly, or discomfort may continue. Fortunately, the affected tooth can be saved with endodontic retreatment. Dr. Shakiba will provide an additional root canal treatment to promote healing and to restore your tooth to its full function.
Why Would a Tooth Require Endodontic Retreatment?
There are various reasons why root canal therapy may not have succeeded the first time. A tooth's root canals are slender, forking passageways deep inside a tooth that house the tooth's soft pulp containing the nerves and blood vessels. Some teeth have very narrow or curved canals that may have gone undetected or failed to respond to treatment, or the canals may have become recontaminated due to an improperly placed or delayed placement of crowns or restorations. In some cases, new tooth decay, advancing gum disease, or a cracked or fractured tooth or restoration can reintroduce an infection to the tooth.
Advances in technology are continually changing the way root canal therapy is performed. Dr. Shakiba may use new techniques that were not available when you had your first treatment. Retreatment usually resolves the problem, fully restoring your tooth's health and function. Retreated teeth usually function well for years, with the potential of lasting a lifetime with proper oral hygiene practices.
Why Save a Damaged Tooth?
Whenever possible, it's best to save a natural tooth. The only other alternative to endodontic retreatment is tooth extraction. The removed tooth must then be replaced using a bridge or implant, or a removable partial denture to allow for chewing with ease, and to prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment. These options often require extensive dental procedures on the adjacent healthy teeth, which is much more costly and time-consuming than the retreatment and restoration of your natural tooth.
What Happens During Endodontic Retreatment?
If Dr. Shakiba recommends endodontic retreatment, the procedure is similar to a routine root canal, with a few extra steps. After numbing the area using a local analgesic, Dr. Shakiba will reopen your tooth to access the root canal filling material. She will remove any infection and clean and shape the pulp chambers with tiny instruments. She will also use a microscope and light to search for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment.
In some cases, if the process is very complex, you may require a subsequent appointment. After cleaning and disinfecting all the root canals, Dr. Shakiba will fill them with new filling materials to seal them. She will also place a temporary filling in the tooth. You will need to return to your general dentist as soon as possible for a new crown or other restoration to protect your treated tooth and restore it to its full form and function.
Endodontic Retreatment Near Me
Contact Prime Endodontics in Houston, TX, if you suspect that a tooth that has undergone prior root canal therapy requires retreatment. Dr. Shakiba and her team will evaluate your condition and will determine if endodontic retreatment is right for you. We are proud to offer cutting-edge, comfortable care for lasting results. Call us and schedule your appointment today!